Appropriations Committee Approves Fiscal Year 2014 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs LegislationBill will fund essential programs and services for our nation’s troops, veterans, and military families

2:30 PM, May 21 -

The House Appropriations Committee today approved the fiscal year 2014 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill.

The legislation provides the nation’s military with the infrastructure needed to house, train, and equip military personnel, supports the quality of life of our troops and their families, and maintains our military base structure. The bill also funds veterans’ benefits and programs to ensure that all veterans receive the services they have earned as a result of their sacrifices and service to the country

The bill totals $73.3 billion in discretionary funding, which is $1.4 billion above the enacted level for fiscal year 2013, and approximately $2.4 billion* above the current level caused by automatic sequestration spending cuts, which do not affect Veterans spending. This level is nearly $1.4 billion below the President’s request for these programs.

Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers made the following statement on the legislation:

“This bill funds critical Department of Defense infrastructure, and fulfills our duty to our brave servicemen and women to provide an acceptable quality of life both during their service and when they return home,” Chairman Rogers said. “It is a comprehensive, bipartisan bill that will support our troops and veterans, but stay within the boundaries of fiscal responsibility during these tight budget times.”

Military Construction-Veterans Affairs Subcommittee Chairman John Culberson also commented on his bill:

“The funding provided continues our longstanding tradition of bipartisan support of our military, our veterans, and their families. It reflects our commitment to the men and women who have served our country and their families to provide what they need and have earned as a result of the sacrifices that they have made for our freedom,” Chairman Culberson said.

The following amendment to the FY 2014 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill was approved today in the full committee:

Rep. Culberson – The manager’s amendment makes technical and non-controversial changes and additions to the bill and report. The amendment was adopted on a voice vote.

The FY 2014 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill was approved by the full committee on a voice vote.

The committee also adopted the subcommittee top line allocations, also known as the 302(b) allocations, on a voice vote.

For the text of the FY 2014 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill and report, please visit: